New Orleans, LA – On March 21, the morning of Mahmoud Khalil’s court hearing, community organizations gathered outside of the Federal Court of Appeals in New Orleans to protest his detainment. Their demands were simple – release Mahmoud Khalil, reinstate his green card, and cease all illegal detainments.

On March 8, Mahmoud Khalil was illegally detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. For over 24 hours, his whereabouts were unknown. Only later was it revealed that he was held in Jena, Louisiana, far away from his home in New York. There is no justification for his arrest. He is being detained for pro Palestine activism.

“None of us should stay silent while free speech is under attack. While speaking up for anyone’s rights, in this case Palestinian rights and liberation, can result in you being kidnapped and deported by the state – none of us should stay silent!” said Cypress Atlas, speaking on behalf of Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP). Atlas continued, “I’m here with JVP for moral clarity about the use of antisemitism. What Jewish people should be doing in this time is standing in integrity with our history and our ancestors with fighting fascism like we always have.”

Khalil’s current detention in an ICE facility in Jena hit home for many at the protest. For the last two years, escalated policing tactics and targeted repression have been the norm. In New Orleans, dozens of students have been arrested or faced investigations by their university administrations. Others have faced arrests just for standing in solidarity with students or protesting the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Last week, Tulane University officials called in a bomb threat to detain and interrogate a student for displaying a small sign on their backpack that read, “Tulane just got rid of DEI – if you have the means, go elsewhere.” For the broader community, the fears of deportation are even sharper as Trump has shown that he does not care about due process nor the people it supposedly protects.

Atticus Pratt, a Tulane student and member of Students for a Democratic Society, spoke in solidarity with Khalil stating, “Mahmoud’s violent arrest was conducted by plainclothes ICE officers in front of his eight-month pregnant wife. How horrific is that?” Reflecting on past and current struggles, Pratt continued, “I know this may be discouraging. But these drastic measures are proof that they are terrified of us and the strength of our solidarity. This reactionary administration only furthers our resolve to continue the fight on our campuses, on the streets, and in the courts.”

In response to the rally and the picketing that followed, the Federal Court Building locked their doors and ordered people off the steps of the building.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine

New Orleans, LA – On Saturday, March 22, over 100 New Orleanians gathered at Congo Square downtown for a march to fight against Trump’s attacks on federal workers. The demonstration brought together at least ten different unions across the city in coalition with community organizations, building a broad united front against Trump’s attacks on labor.

“I’ve been a labor activist in this city for a few years and this is the fastest I’ve seen unions endorse anything. People are riled up and ready to fight,” said Abbey Lodwig, one of the march organizers and member of the Association of Flight Attendants union.

Tens of thousands of workers have already been fired because of billionaire Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” taking aim at unionized federal employees. Trump’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion and cuts on federal grants have dramatically affected the public sector workers in New Orleans.

“Privatization is an attack on everything we’ve fought for and won. It’s an attack on the people,” said Emma Maxwell, a contract employee with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. The NOAA helps forecast weather and manage fisheries, among other functions important to the Gulf South. Maxwell reported massive layoffs in the NOAA due to cuts in federal funding, forcing operations with far less people and resources.

The crowd took the streets chanting “Get up, get down, New Orleans is a union town!” and “Let’s go workers, don’t give up. Let’s go workers, elbows up!” as they stopped the flow of downtown traffic. Union members marched with signs held high, demanding Trump “Stop the war on America’s workforce.”

Serena Sojic-Borne, a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, helped to close out the demonstration with a fiery speech, stating, “The system we live under has no right to exist and it is long past its expiration date!” as the crowd cheered.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #Labor #FederalEmployees

New Orleans, LA – On Wednesday, March 19, a broad group of activists congregated at Tulane University for a press conference. The groups presented an open letter addressed to the administrations of all local universities demanding they protect students, staff and faculty from the White House’s recent slew of attacks against college campuses. They demanded protections for immigrants, freedom of speech and DEI programs.

“We are united in our commitment to justice, human dignity and freedom,” said Hakm Murad of the Palestinian Youth Movement.

The letter also calls for universities to demand the immediate release of pro-Palestine activists and New York ‘s Columbia University students Mahmoud Khalil and Leqaa Kordia, and that students be protected from any similar violations by the Department of Homeland Security and the Trump administration. Mahmoud Khalil continues to be held in an ICE detention center at Jena, Louisiana. Washington DC’s Georgetown University researcher Badar Khan Suri was also detained by ICE and sent to a detention facility in Alexandria, Louisiana. Suri’s detention is a continuation of Trump’s stated goals of targeting and deporting pro-Palestinian students and faculty at universities.

Tulane and Loyola University's repression of student activists since last year has given the solidarity movement for Khalil particular urgency. Tulane complied with new directives from the White House and shut down the school’s DEI office. But student activists bravely stood up to defend DEI.

In reaction, the university arrested (and later released) one activist due to a pro-DEI sign on her backpack. Also, minutes before the March 19 press conference, several Tulane student protesters received notice that they were under investigation by administration.

“It is no coincidence the emails were sent out right as we were set to raise awareness about Tulane’s cowardly compliance with the racist Trump agenda and its attacks on students’ freedom of speech at this press conference,” said Maya Sanchez, a former Tulane student, reading a statement written by local members of Students for a Democratic Society.

Tulane alumni and member of New Orleans for Community Oversight of Police Vonne Burton added, “DEI programs were won by students during the Civil Rights Movement, any student who defends it today should be applauded, not arrested.”

The open letter circulated by the New Orleans for Palestine Coalition has received notable public support. Signatories include multiple contenders for the upcoming city council elections, as well as current council member and mayoral candidate, Oliver Thomas. The organizations say they are continuing to urge Louisiana’s U.S. Representative Troy Carter, and the remaining members of the city council to sign on and take action to defend local campuses.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #StudentMovement #FreeSpeech #SDS

New Orleans, LA – On March 20, about 50 postal workers and their supporters gathered outside of the downtown United States Postal Service center. They rallied, carried signs and distributed flyers to protest Trump’s attempt at privatizing the mail service. The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 83 organized the event in response to a national call to action.

“U.S. Mail – not for sale!” workers chanted. Signs read, “Hands off our public postal service” and “The post office belongs to the people, not the billionaires.”

Trump is talking about moving the USPS to the Department of Commerce, which would reduce its independence and mark a step towards privatization. Louis DeJoy, the current postmaster general, received his appointment in 2020. His family had donated $1.2 million to Trump’s first presidential campaign. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), initiated on the advice of tech billionaire Elon Musk, has announced plans to cut 10,000 post office jobs.

“Hands off the post office, it belongs to the people,” said Leroy Chapman, APWU Local 83 president.

Union members from IATSE, the Teamsters, and the AFA showed up in solidarity. City Councilmember Oliver Thomas also voiced his support.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #Labor

Baton Rouge, LA – On March 10, Louisiana State University (LSU) students and Baton Rouge community members rallied on LSU’s campus in Free Speech Alley for International Women’s Day.

In light of Trump's attacks on immigrants, one of the demands put forth by students was to put an end to the mass deportations and family separations. Students also called on the LSU administration to declare the university a sanctuary campus.

Lauren Roberie of Students for a Democratic Society at LSU said, “If Trump was truly pro-life, he would not consistently dehumanize and denigrate the undocumented American population. We have to continue to condemn these inhumane actions and urge LSU to stop complying with ICE.”

One of Trump’s many targets in academia have been diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI. His administration is forcing universities to remove any DEI statements from their policies or lose all federal funding. “Diversity equity and inclusion is now a cover term for Black,” said Laramie Griffin of Evolve Louisiana, highlighting the racist origins and consequences of these attacks on universities and workplaces.

DEI erasure has also made its way to LSU. Library faculty were forced to remove any webpage with the word “diversity,” including articles on ecological biodiversity. Additionally, some African culture clubs were told members are not allowed to wear their organization’s emblems at graduation.

As protesters chanted, they occupied Echo Circle in Free Speech Alley and demanded the LSU administration not comply with Trump’s orders. Organizers at the rally declared that the people of Baton Rouge will continue to fight back against Trump’s attacks and defend women and queer rights.

#BatonRougeLA #LA #StudentMovement #WomensMovement #SDS #EvolveLouisiana

Baton Rouge, LA – In the early morning hours of Monday, March 3, workers for Baton Rouge’s Capital Area Transit System (CATS) went on strike. CATS provides bus services throughout Baton Rouge. Supporters joined the picket line as early as 3 a.m. carrying signs in solidarity with the picket.

The transit system workers have been unionized since 1973, with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1546. They moved to strike after CATS attempted to illegally impose a contract which contained many issues that the union had previously rejected in negotiations. Workers also cited deplorable working conditions as a big issue.

Speaking about the illegal imposition of the union contract, Senior Organizer Stanley Smalls said, “If we allow that, what? What is the purpose of bargaining anymore? You could just go through the motions and make your proposals, let us reject it and force it on the workers anyway. That’s never going to happen in Baton Rouge. Those days of taking advantage of workers are over.”

Workers rallied outside the CATS terminal from the cold early morning to late afternoon all week, with the strike ending Sunday, March 8 after CATS agreed to rescind the imposed contract and return to negotiations with the union.

#BatonRougeLA #LA #Labor #Strikes

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement by Together United Students for a Democratic Society.

On March 17th Tulane University arrested one of its students for speaking up in defense of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Last week, Tulane University closed its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion office. A Tulane student, in response to their school’s cowardly compliance with the racist Trump agenda, wore a paper sign on their backpack saying “Tulane just got rid of DEI… If you have the means, go elsewhere.”

While in the LBC, Tulane’s student center, they heard a member of Tulane’s administration comment on their bag. After briefly forgetting their bag in the student center, Tulane reported a bomb threat as an excuse to remove it from its place near an ongoing admissions event.

When the student returned for their bag, they were arrested by the Tulane University Police Department. TUPD went on to detain them and intimidate them despite having no criminal charges against them. This student was arrested because of their political speech in a clear violation of the First Amendment. Police officers continued to coerce and intimidate them while they were detained. TUPD threatened that if they did not comply with interrogation immediately, their silence would lead to university conduct charges that could end their education at Tulane.

Earlier this month a similar false bomb threat was reported by Barnard University to clear a student protest. Tulane’s cowardice in the face of political speech from its students only grows, but the students will not be silenced! Whether it is an individual exercising their free speech or an organized student protest, universities have no right to use police to silence their students!

Protect Free Speech on Campus! Defend DEI!

#NewOrleansLA #LA #StudentMovement #PoliticalRepression #SDS

New Orleans, LA – On Saturday, March 8, about 70 people gathered in Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans in honor of this year’s International Women’s Day.

The crowd rallied around a banner demanding “Protect women’s and trans rights! From Palestine to Mexico, end all family separations!” Several speakers from grassroots movements discussed the urgency of gender liberation and the need to carry on the legacy of resistance from the revolutionary women of the past.

Molly Frayle, a transgender activist with the Queer and Trans Community Action Project, spoke about how the holiday was organized first by working-class socialist women in the United States and Germany, and historically celebrated striking workers who sparked the February Revolution in Russia in 1917.

“They got into the streets, and they started marching,” Frayle said. “It was that very day the Russian revolution started. A whole country had a revolution because women stood up! They won the right to vote, abortion on demand, the right to divorce without their husbands permission! All that to say when we fight, we win!”

After more speeches, the crowd took to the streets. Chants of “Not the church, not the state, women will decide our fate!” and “International Women's Day, time to make the bosses pay!” filled the busy downtown thoroughfare. Protesters carried signs saying “My body, my choice!” and “Stop the deportations now!” as they marched to the Hyatt Regency, where ICE offices are located in New Orleans.

Once there, organizers spoke about the increasing terror and repression that Black, brown and immigrant communities face under the Trump administration. But they also highlighted the power of fighting back in the spirit of revolutionary women.

“Again and again, the ruling class underestimates the power of women's militancy. Women have led the labor movement, striking for real gains. Mothers of victims of police crimes have been fighting for justice – the attacks that we face are meant to intimidate, confuse us, disorganize and demoralize us. Do you know what they do instead? They light a fire in us!” said Antonia Mar, an organizer with the Freedom Road Socialist organization.

With more chants, the protesters took the streets back to Lafayette Square. Once there, organizers emphasized that this action was only the beginning and that these organizations are committed to uniting and struggling against Trump and his reactionary administration every step of the way.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #WomensMovement #LGBTQ #InternationalWomensDay #QTCAP

Baton Rouge, LA – On Friday February 21, a group of students at Louisiana State University (LSU) disrupted a board of supervisors meeting in order to present demands to administration. The students had four demands they wanted to bring to the board of supervisors: reinstate Professor Ken Levy, make LSU a sanctuary campus, stop tuition hikes, and disclose and divest investments with Israel.

The students gathered in Free Speech Alley and marched to the board of supervisors office. Student organizers gave speeches and chanted, “When teachers are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!” Their chants could be heard from inside, causing many attendees to leave their seats to look out at the protesters.

As the rally proceeded outside, three students registered in the meeting for public comment. They opposed the board revising permanent memorandum-79 (PM-79) and seeking to restrict free speech. Zane Sutor-Benfield of LSU Students for a Democratic Society gave public comment saying, “These new measures are just the latest in a long pattern of repressive action taken by the university administration. Though the oppression is largely aimed at students, recently the persecution of Professor Levy has taken it to the faculty as well. This memorandum specifically targets faculty by removing their First Amendment rights in the classroom.”

Administration recently fired Levy for political comments he made in class against Trump, and students met the repression with protests and a petition with over 700 signatures for his reinstatement. Felix Anderson of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) spoke out against LSU’s decision saying, “[Levy] has been juggled through the courts. Why is LSU punishing our best professors while they cut our classes behind our backs? This is a school, not a political theater.”

LSU student Gabriela Juárez put forth, “Why is free speech being restricted now? I think it has something to do with the university’s investment in Israel, I think it has something to do with university’s tuition hikes – I think it has something to do with Professor Levy’s firing. I think it is a clear and brazen assault on the basic freedoms that are supposed to underline a country like this, and frankly, it’s shameful.”

The group also demanded LSU divest from Israel. In his speech, Khalil El-abbassi of LSU SDS said, “We can’t trust LSU to make ethical decisions regarding Israel and Palestine when these outside interests have power within its administration. We demand that LSU show transparency with regard to its financial investments. We demand that LSU disclose details about its financial ties to companies supporting and trying to profit from Israel’s genocide.”

#BatonRougeLA #LA #StudentMovement #SDS

New Orleans, LA – On Monday February 24, 25 students representing eight student organizations gathered at the office of Loyola University’s President, Dr. Xavier Cole, to deliver a letter that included demands to stop an impending tuition hike, divest from Israeli apartheid, and safeguard the right to free speech. President Cole greeted the students as each representative lined up outside his office and presented him with copies.

Students organized the effort after they learned of the university’s plans to raise tuition by 4.5% in the upcoming 2025-26 school year and cut financial aid by 3%. Loyola also announced it plans to grow the administration by two new vice president positions. Both will receive salaries in the hundreds of thousands, while Loyola faculty are left critically underpaid.

In their letter to President Cole, students pointed out serious problems, including Loyola’s failure to recruit diverse faculty despite the student body being over 50% non-white. A new chapel built on campus, funded by local billionaire Gale Benson, was not built to be accessible for students with disabilities.

Nat Arredondo, a member of Students for Environmental Action (SEA) emphasized, “It is very important for SEA to support this letter, and request that the school divest from oil companies, because of the huge environmental destruction and health issues they cause in the South. But especially Louisiana and Cancer Alley.”

One of the demands stated the need for increased resources and funding for multicultural departments and organizations. “As an executive member of a multicultural club at Loyola, I’ve witnessed how our organization is often pushed to the forefront as a symbol of diversity and inclusion, and used as a pull factor for the school, without receiving the genuine support or funding necessary to thrive,” said Ethan Shairsingh, representing Liberate and Unite New Orleans Students for a Democratic Society.

The student organizations also demanded that the university rescind all institutional sanctions placed on students relating to free speech and protests.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #StudentMovement #SDS

Los Angeles, CA – Chicano high school students took to the streets, February 20, to protest Trump's ICE raids, arrests, and deportations. All over the city, LAUSD students walked out of school chanting “Stop Donald Trump” and “Raza si, migra no.”

Centro CSO organizers supported East LA students at Garfield High School (GHS) by providing sound, large banners and snacks on the warm day. Gabriel Quiroz Jr led chants with the energetic students like, “Viva La Raza, viva Mexico!”

The GHS students marched to Torres High School to unite the march with more students. The march continued in the heart of East LA with many neighbors waving and honking their horns in support.

The marchers arrived at Mariachi Plaza where students from over six high schools had already arrived for an energetic rally. SEIU 721 provided a large truck and sound system. Many students spoke, denouncing Trump and ICE, expressing support for their families and community.

Longtime Chicano revolutionary Carlos Montes also participated in the march, being a graduate of GHS and a leader in the original ELA high school walkout of March 1968. “I have to be here with you to say no deportations,” stated Montes.

During the rally several LAPD police officers attempted to quickly enter the plaza, but they were met by several safety monitors wearing bright yellow vests asking police not to enter the plaza as this was a well-organized event. One of the LAPD officers, Johnny Altamirano aggressively pushed and knocked down Felipe Cazares, director of external organizing for SEIU 721, who has provided support for the students for the last two weeks. Felipe was laid flat on the sidewalk.

More safety monitors formed a line in front of the police in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. But officer Altamirano called for backup until over 20 police arrived, many wearing helmets and batons. The safety monitors held their line and asked the students to continue the rally and ignore the police. Eventually the police left, and the rally continued without any further incident. Felipe Cazares was taken to the LA General Hospital and released shaken, bruised but not deterred to support our students and community.

#LosAngelesCA #SEIU721 #ELA #GHS #LA #chicano #vivalaraza #Immigration #ImmigrantRights #legalization4all #legalizationforall #nodeportations #ICE #policecrimes

New Orleans, LA – On Thursday, February 20, around 30 Loyola students and New Orleans community members rallied in front of Loyola University to demand that university administration drop the semester-long suspension of student activist Carson Cruse. The action was organized by the Liberate and Unite New Orleans chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (LUNO SDS).

At the rally, the crowd chanted slogans such as “We want justice, you say how? Drop the suspension now!” and “Hold that line, yeah hold that line! Hold that line for student rights!”

Cruse was set to graduate in May, but if his suspension is maintained, he will be set back from graduating for another six months, if not longer.

Cruse told the crowd, “We understand that students will get absolutely nothing that we are not willing and organized to take. Through protracted campaigns and direct action, we can unite around our common needs as students to demand administration do their jobs for once!”

Several current and former students at Loyola gave speeches. Nat Arredondo with LUNO SDS pointed out that the resources used to prosecute Cruse could have been better spent on stopping sexual abuse. “Since my freshman year I have lived in the same dorms as sexual abusers, I have watched friends come out with disgusting testimonies that the administration heard and punished them for. But the abuser? They get to walk free,” stated Arredondo.

Loyola University administration issued Cruse’s suspension after he was reported for giving a public comment at a board meeting for the Port of New Orleans. His comment was part of an ongoing campaign by a local organization, New Orleans Stop Helping Israel’s Ports (NOSHIP), to demand the port stop sending weapons and aid to Israel.

The woman who reported Carson’s comment, Sharonda Williams, is both on the board of the Port of New Orleans and a lawyer for Loyola University. Before her report, Cruse had been on academic probation due to his involvement in the Tulane University encampment for Palestine in April 2024. Under the terms of his probation, one more strike against him meant he would face suspension or full expulsion from Loyola.

Near the end of the rally, the protesters picketed and blocked the entrance to the school until they were shut down by the university police.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #StudentMovement #SDS #FreeSpeech #InJusticeSystem #PoliticalRepression

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from Liberate and Unite New Orleans Students for a Democratic Society.

On February 17th, Loyola student and SDS member Carson Cruse was informed by the university that his suspension appeal was denied and he has been suspended from the university effective immediately until May 10, 2025. Carson initially received his suspension on December 13th, 2024, for enacting his right to free speech by calling out Sharonda Williams, the General Counsel of Loyola and Port of New Orleans board member for her being complicit in genocide, supporting genocide, and punishing anti-genocide protestors.

Following this news, Carson appealed his suspension and was allowed to attend classes. However, he has just been informed by the university that his appeal was denied, and he will not be allowed to graduate in May. This has pushed Carson’s graduation date back by a year. This is an unprecedented attack on free speech at Loyola and obvious repression by the university as revenge for his presence in the Popular University for Gaza encampment. The university is cracking down on student activism and trying to scare away students from protesting against them through suspensions, sanctions, and rewriting the student code of conduct to make it easier to punish political opposition.

Carson is an amazing student, organizer, beloved community member, and a staunch advocate for human rights. He has done so much for the university and this attack on his academic success is a disgusting flex of power by the university.

Loyola University is complicit and actively involved in the genocide and oppression of the Palestinian people through their support of Israel. Punishing innocent students, suppressing their right to free speech, and supporting genocide goes against the university’s supposed Jesuit values and is a disgrace to their job as “protectors” of their students.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #StudentMovement #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #SDS

Baton Rouge, LA – On Friday, February 14, about 30 Louisiana State University (LSU) students and community members rallied in Free Speech Alley to demand that university administration make LSU a sanctuary campus for immigrant students.

LSU’s Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organized the rally to fight back against ICE activity in the Baton Rouge area and Trump's executive order that allows ICE to operate in previously protected places like college campuses, churches and courthouses.

Students gathered near the center of Free Speech Alley, their signs turned towards the masses of people in the surrounding area. The various signs read “Stop the mass deportations” and “¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!”

The rally featured several student speakers, all denouncing the reactionary agenda of President Trump and the LSU administration's complicity with his racist policies.

SDS member Enola Guyer stated, “Our right to education is under attack and we must stand together to fight against this. At the bare minimum LSU must deny ICE the right to step foot on this campus without a court order signed by a judge, but we deserve more. If admin truly cared, they would declare LSU a sanctuary campus.”

Between speeches, students repeated chants such as “Don’t give in to racist fears, immigrants are welcome here!” and “No justice, no peace, no more racist police!” directing their chants at the heavy police presence.

Towards the end of the rally, the microphone was opened up to community members. Members of SDS were joined by the multicultural fraternity, Sigma Lambda Beta. One member, as well as the fraternity's faculty advisor, delivered speeches strongly opposing deportation and urging students to fight back against these attacks.

The rally emphasized a commitment among LSU students to stand up against attacks on immigrants and demand protections for immigrant students. Organizations like SDS, Sigma Lambda Beta and The Injustice Reform stated they plan to work together to unite the students until LSU is a sanctuary campus.

#BatonRougeLA #LA #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #SDS #Feature

New Orleans, LA – On Saturday, February 15, dozens of community members held an emergency rally in front of the Federal Building downtown to protest against Trump’s plans to ethnically cleanse the Gaza Strip.

After Trump’s demands that Palestinians relocate to the neighboring countries of Egypt and Jordan, organizations joined together demanding that the U.S. respect Palestinian sovereignty.

Trump has claimed that he has the right to take Gazan land “under U.S. authority” for real estate development, but the local pro-Palestine movement took the opportunity to remind New Orleanians that “Gaza is not for sale!” as stated by Hakm Murad, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement.

“We are the land, we are rooted in the land, and we are not leaving. That is our message. No calls for ethnic cleansing will be heard here,” Murad continued as folks gathered with signs reading “Resistance until victory!” and “Two heads, same snake,” depicting the U.S and Israeli flags twisted together.

“If Trump and Netanyahu want to displace 2 million people from their rightful homes in Gaza, they will not only have to get through the heroic Palestinian resistance, they will also have to get through 7 billion of us!” said an organizer with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

“The boycott, divest, and sanction movement’s importance is clearer than ever at this very instant. The reality is this: U.S. imperialism, and the bottom line of the few, is what drives the foreign relations of this country” said Zach Dowling, an organizer with New Orleans Stop Helping Israel’s Ports (NOSHIP).

“As much as they have tried to say that Israeli violence is just ‘self-defense’ – this has never been true. These decades of occupation have only ever been about imperialism, about taking more land and more power with no regard to anyone’s humanity, anyone’s right to freedom and self-determination,” said Ariel Moyal with the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP).

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said he and Trump have a “common strategy” for Gaza, as he echoed Trump’s comments, threatening to “let hell break out” if the Palestinian resistance does not release Israeli prisoners held in the Strip. However, rally-goers emphasized which party to the ceasefire agreement has failed to uphold their end of the bargain. “It should come as no surprise to anyone that Israel, the same genocidal state that has broken every international law over the past year, has repeatedly violated the first phase of the current ceasefire agreement,” said Dowling.

The rally, held by Palestinian Youth Movement, NOSHIP, JVP, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, New Orleans Healthcare Workers for Palestine, Together United Students for a Democratic Society and the Party for Socialism and Liberation lasted about two hours. Cars driving down the busy downtown New Orleans streets honked at the waving Palestinian flags in support of the message. These organizations are part of the newly formed New Orleans for Palestine Coalition, which signaled its determination to mobilize the New Orleans community against any future illegal attacks against Palestinians and their lands.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #NOSHIP #PYM

New Orleans, LA – On Sunday, February 9, the family of Glenn Foster Jr hosted a press conference at noon in front of the Hale Boggs Federal Building in downtown New Orleans. As media came to town to cover the Super Bowl, Glenn’s mother, Sabrina Foster, seized the moment to bring light on her son.

Glenn Foster Jr was a professional football player who was found dead in police custody in 2021 after a traffic stop.

The conference began with chants demanding “We want answers! We want justice!” Then, Sabrina Foster told Glenn’s story: “I would like everyone to ask the question: What happened to NFL Saints player Glenn Foster Jr?”

Glenn Foster Jr. was traveling from New Orleans to Atlanta when he was pulled over for allegedly speeding in Pickens County, Alabama. He was then handcuffed, tased and put in jail. Three days later, on December 6, 2021, Foster was found dead in the back of a police car as police were transporting him. Speaking of the police who killed her son, Sabrina Foster said, “They don’t know who Glenn’s momma is. Just because it hasn’t been in the news doesn’t mean that we ain’t gonna come after you!”

Police and a state autopsy said Glenn Jr. died of natural causes due to a heart attack. But the 31-year-old athlete was in excellent health and had no prior history of heart disease according to the family.

“When I saw my son’s body with the wounds around his neck, and I saw the state autopsy say he died of natural causes, [I knew it was] a pack of lies,” said Glenn Foster Sr.

A second independent autopsy revealed evidence of strangulation, torture, and that Foster Jr. was repeatedly tased. “They say justice is blind. Not if you’re Black! The cops abused their authority and they took my son’s life,” exclaimed Foster Sr.

The family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit that was approved to move forward at the end of 2024. While they continue with legal proceedings, they ask the public to learn about their son’s case and uplift his story on social media.

The Fosters have also recently started a New Orleans chapter of Black Lives Matter Grassroots to continue the fight for their son and other families victimized by police brutality. For more information, follow @blm_nola on Instagram.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #KillerCops #BLM

New Orleans, LA – On February 9, roughly 200 people took to the streets in downtown New Orleans for a rally and march against President Donald Trump’s visit to the Super Bowl LIX at the Superdome.

The protest was called by New Orleans for Community Oversight of Police, alongside a broad coalition of organizations. After Trump’s recent attacks on the most oppressed, protestors came out to demand Trump end ICE raids and deportations, stop attacks on trans people, and keep out of Gaza.

The rally began at Armstrong Park around 4:30, with speakers. The crowd chanted, “Donald Trump has got to go!” and “Un pueblo unido, hamas sera vencido! The people united, will never be defeated!” Community members brought signs and flags, reading “Nadie es ilegal!”, “Trans liberation now!” “Defend women’s and reproductive rights!” as queer flags, Mexican flags, and Palestinian flags waved above.

“A lot of us are here to resist Donald Trump, but some of us are here for other reasons,” said a member of New Orleans for Community Control of the Police (NOCOP). “I’m here because my friend’s dad got deported a couple of months ago, before Trump was even in office. I’m here because my last interaction with the police ended up with a police officer’s arm around my neck, and me sitting in jail. I’m mad, and I’m not forgetting any of that!”

“More than fear, I’m angry!” declared Molly Dayle, a member of the Queer and Trans Community Action Project (QTCAP). “He’s attacking our immigrant siblings, our Black and Brown siblings, and he’s coming after unions. We are only going to be able to fight this together.”

“Immigrants are the ones who build up this city after every hurricane!” said Martha Alguera from the Southeast Dignity Not Detention Coalition. “Right here in Louisiana, we have the largest amount of for-profit detention centers in the country. Thousands of people who were just taken asylum are sent here, and have to deal with medical neglect and abuse.”

During the rally, it began to rain heavily. As clothes and signs got soaked, the energy of the crowd remained high. After the speakers finished, the people took the streets marching from Armstrong Park down S Rampart Street all the way up to just outside of the Superdome’s security perimeter. Police presence buzzed around the protest, but because of an excellent security plan and experienced police liaisons, the march concluded with no arrests, injuries, or major disruptions. The crowd cheered, “Rain will not take us down! Trump out of NOLA now!”

When the march returned to Armstrong Park, the crowd chanted and cheered “I believe that we will win!” Bright smiles and hugs congratulated the successful protest as the action came to a close.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #PeoplesStruggles #Trump #Sports #SuperBowl #LGBTQ #ImmigrantRights

Los Ángeles, CA – Miles de chicanos e inmigrantes marcharon hacia el centro de Los Ángeles hoy, 2 de febrero. Ondeando banderas de México, Colombia, Venezuela y Centroamérica, el mar de gente lo dejó claro: los inmigrantes están aquí para quedarse. El evento fue una demostración de indignación pública y unidad en contra de Trump, sus seguidores racistas y sus numerosas órdenes ejecutivas antinmigrantes.

Jordan Peña y Gabriel Quiroz Jr., de la Organización de Servicio Comunitario (CSO) del Centro, lideraron un contingente del CSO en este evento masivo. Quiroz Jr. también es miembro de la Organización Socialista Camino de la Libertad (FRSO). El contingente se reunió en el ayuntamiento, donde varios oradores dieron discursos energizantes e inspiradores. Carlos Montes habló en representación de CSO del Centro.

Peña dijo, “Ver a todos nosotros reunidos aquí hoy envía un mensaje poderoso: ¡No seremos silenciados y no retrocederemos ante la injusticia!”

Coreando “¡El pueblo, unido, jamás será vencido!” y “Se ve, se siente, el pueblo está presente”, el contingente partió desde la Plaza Olvera hacia el ayuntamiento. Las calles Spring y Temple quedaron completamente bloqueadas mientras miles de personas marchaban pacíficamente, coreaban y bailaban.

“Fue una experiencia emocional y empoderadora ver a mi comunidad unirse, apoyando a nuestra gente”, dijo Verita Topete, quien es nueva miembro de CSO del Centro. “¡Me siento personalmente afectada por esto, ya que mi padre sigue siendo indocumentado!”

Nadia Topete, también nueva miembro de CSO y hermana de Verita Topete, dijo, “Fue una experiencia muy emotiva ver a las comunidades unirse y mantenerse como una. Rodeados de personas empáticas, marchamos en solidaridad. Detesto ver cómo esta administración nos deshumaniza. He estado luchando contra esto desde que tenía 15 años, en 2020 mi hermana mayor y yo hablamos en la marcha y manifestación del 50º aniversario de la Moratoria Chicana en nombre de nuestro padre, que en ese momento estaba detenido por ICE”.

El padre de las hermanas Topete fue detenido en el centro de detención de ICE Adelanto GEO. Él sufrió por tres años múltiples formas de abuso, así como represalias por ser un denunciante y liderar huelgas de hambre. Debido a esto, las hermanas Topete juraron siempre apoyar y luchar por los indocumentados. Se unieron a CSO para hacer precisamente esto.

Continuando con la marcha, Quiroz Jr. marchó con el contingente de regreso a Boyle Heights donde más personas insistieron en marchar hacia el Este de Los Ángeles.

“Nosotros los chicanos estamos demostrando que no permitiremos que nuestra raza sea atacada por Trump”, dijo Quiroz Jr. “En Aztlán continuaremos la lucha por la autodeterminación después de este evento. Nuestro objetivo es la liberación total para los indocumentados, los chicanos y la clase trabajadora”.

CSO del Centro realizará una manifestación y marcha el 8 de febrero. Su evento es parte de la semana de acción de la red de Legalización para Todos que comenzó el 31 de enero y termina el 9 de febrero. Si estás interesado en asistir, el evento pacífico se llevará a cabo en Boyle Heights. Sigue sus redes sociales para actualizaciones: @CentroCSO en Instagram, X, Facebook o por correo electrónico a CentroCSO@gmail.com.

#LosAngelesCA #LA #CentroCSO #ImmigrantRights #FRSO

Los Angeles, CA – Thousands of Chicanos and immigrants marched into downtown Los Angeles, today, February 2. Waving Mexican, Colombian, Venezuelan and Central American flags, the sea of people made it clear: Immigrants are here to stay. The event was to demonstrate public outcry and unity against Trump, his racist supporters, and his many anti-immigrant executive orders.

Jordan Peña and Gabriel Quiroz Jr. with Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) led a CSO contingent at the massive event. Quiroz Jr. is also a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO). The contingent assembled at City Hall where various speakers gave energizing and inspiring speeches. Carlos Montes spoke on behalf of Centro CSO.

Peña said, “Seeing all of us gathered here today sends a powerful message: We will not be silenced, and we will not back down in the face of injustice!”

Chanting “El pueblo, unido, jamás será vencido!” And “Se ve, se siente, el pueblo está presente,” the contingent went from Plaza Olvera to City Hall. Spring and Temple Streets were completely blocked as thousands peacefully marched, chanted and danced.

“It was such an emotional and empowering experience to see my community come together, supporting our people,” said Verita Topete, who is a new Centro CSO member. “I feel personally affected by this, since my father is still undocumented!”

Nadia Topete, who is also a new member of CSO and the sister of Verita Topete, said, “It was a very emotional experience to see communities come together and stand as one. Surrounded by empathetic individuals, we marched in solidarity. I despise seeing how this administration dehumanizes us. I’ve been fighting this since I was 15, back in 2020 my oldest sister and I spoke at the 50th anniversary Chicano Moratorium march and rally on behalf of our father who was at the time being detained by ICE.”

The Topetes’ father was detained at the Adelanto GEO ICE detention center. He suffered for three years from multiple forms of abuse as well as retaliation for being a whistleblower and leading hunger strikes. Due to this, the Topete sisters vow to always support and fight for the undocumented. They joined CSO to do just this.

Continuing with the marching, Quiroz Jr. marched with the contingent back to Boyle Heights where even more people insisted on marching towards East Los Angeles.

“We Chicanos are demonstrating that we will not allow for our Raza to be attacked by Trump,” said Quiroz Jr. “In Aztlán we will continue in the fight for self-determination after this event. Our goal is complete liberation for the undocumented, Chicanos and the working class.”

Centro CSO will rally and march on February 8. Their event is part of the Legalization for All network week of action which began on January 31 and ends February 9. If you are interested in attending, the peaceful event will take place in Boyle Heights. Follow their social media for updates here: @CentroCSO on Instagram, X, Facebook or email them at CentroCSO@gmail.com.

#LosAngelesCA #LA #CentroCSO #NoMoreDeportations #NiUnaMas ChicanoPower #ImmigrantRights #FRSO #ICE #Feature

Baton Rouge, LA – On Tuesday January 28, about 20 students gathered in front of Louisiana State University (LSU) Law Center to demand the university reinstate Professor Ken Levy.

Levy was suspended for criticizing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and explaining Trump’s presidency would have implications for certain amendments to the constitution during one of his lectures.

Professor Levy’s attorney, Jill Craft, explained Levy revealed he was a Democrat and expressed a dislike for Trump. However, Craft believed Levy said nothing to warrant suspension.

Students stood on the steps of LSU’s law center holding signs that read “Leave Levy alone!” and “Protect free speech!” while listening to Kristen Graham-Winkles, a current student of Professor Levy, speak.

“This is the second time in just two semesters that a professor has faced reprimand for nothing more than expressing a progressive viewpoint,” said Graham-Winkles, referring to a similar incident that resulted in the Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry publicly demanding LSU take action against law Professor Nicholas Bryner. Bryner expressed his dislike for Landry and Trump, and the university moved to launch an investigation that is still ongoing.

The news of Levy’s suspension was met with outrage from students who had taken his courses. Peach Hadley, a former law student of Professor Levy, said, “The truth is, Professor Levy and I didn’t always agree politically. But that was the thing about Levy. He didn’t care. He genuinely, out loud, encouraged students to express opinions that those students knew he might not agree with.”

Graham-Winkles stated, “Political conformity is being demanded, intellectual diversity is being crushed, and dissent is being punished. How valuable is admission and graduation from an institution that is unabashedly taking these actions?”

The rally at LSU’s Law Center was followed by a student-led march to the president’s office to hand-deliver a petition demanding Professor Levy’s reinstatement, a public apology, and full transparency on the investigation. The petition had collected over 750 signatures in just five days. As the crowd of students approached the office, LSU Police Department could be seen barricading the doors.

One law student attempted to enter the building to hand the petition to the front desk but was denied. The crowd began to chant “Shame on LSU!” and “Let him hand in the petition!” Winston DeCuir, vice president of Legal Affairs and the general counsel for LSU, exited the building to greet the students, saying, “As law students, I actually think it’s important that you voice your opinion and speak out. I remember being a student myself and engaging in similar activities. I will definitely deliver this to the president.”

Two days later, a Louisiana district judge ordered LSU to reinstate Levy through a temporary restraining order lasting from January 30 till February 10. This will allow Professor Levy to return to his position and prohibits LSU from taking any action against him. Decuir, LSU VP of Legal Affairs who had taken the student’s petition, submitted his letter of resignation after being asked to leave by the university.

Professor Levy’s reinstatement, although temporary, demonstrates the importance of struggling against administration and proved that LSU students are capable of winning their demands. Students are prepared to continue to fight any attacks on free speech the university will throw their way.

#BatonRougeLA #LA #StudentMovement #SDS #FreeSpeech #Trump